Headliner replacement question

[jeffbebe]

I've recovered the headlining and replaced my rusting sunroof panel with a beautiful rust-free when that Tom kindly sent from Canada. Unfortunately, I broke most of the 16 clips that fix the headlining to the sunroof frame. Of course, because I'm at the ass-end of the world, BMW NZ only has 4 of these clips in stock and it will take another 2-3 weeks to get them from Germany, with no guarantees that they'll arrive this side of Xmas. I've also checked every wrecker from here to Timaru and can't find any wrecked E34 or E32 sedans with sunroofs.

So, my question is this, does anyone know if there is a similar, transferable clip on any other models (E36, etc)? Part number is different but I'm hoping someone may know one that fits. Thanks in advance.

PS This is the clip I need: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...p/51441938868/

[kiwiCSi]

Jooles, I should've mentioned you'd need to get all new clips before you started this project....my bad for not warning you about this.
Pelican usually have them, but they're only showing 3 in stock right now.
If you're lucky, they might be able to get more into stock without going to Germany.
Shipping to NZ will only take 5-6 days.

[JDP530]

FCPEuro appears to have those clips in stock:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products?keywords=51441938868

[jeffbebe]

Jooles, I should've mentioned you'd need to get all new clips before you started this project....my bad for not warning you about this.
Pelican usually have them, but they're only showing 3 in stock right now.
If you're lucky, they might be able to get more into stock without going to Germany.
Shipping to NZ will only take 5-6 days.

No worries, Pete. I had bought seals and new I'd be glueing c pillars due to broken tabs but didn't think about the sunroof clips! BMW NZ reckon 10 working days.

FCPEuro appears to have those clips in stock:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products?keywords=51441938868

Thanks, I've generally found shipping from Europe to NZ is much quicker than US to NZ... If I'm still waiting by Xmas I will regret this comment!

[jeffbebe]

I have another couple of questions, one of which I'm hoping one of you electrical gurus may be able to help with...

1) The replacement sunroof seal has a felt outer - even on the exposed part on the roof. Have I installed incorrectly or is that normal? There wasn't an obvious alternative way to fit it?

2) I've had to drive the car for a while with no headlining while I wait for the new clips so the sunroof is currently unplugged. A number of other electrical gremlins have occurred as a result - my a/c has stopped working (the fan blows but the compressor doesn't engage) and the seat controls have gone haywire. Is this likely to be directly connected (and hopefully return to normal once the sunroof is reconnected) or have I got another coincidental issue?

Thanks in advance.

[EricinConejo]

I've had my sunroof control switch unplugged for several months and have had no electrical issues.

[jeffbebe]

Bugger. It's not often I actually hope something is a weird 8 series electrical foible!

[kiwiCSi]

The felt-like texture on the sunroof seal is normal I think - mine has this on the exposed surface, and it's the original seal.

I wonder, did your headlining trimmer disturb or damage any wiring, that might have resulted in these electrical glitches?

[cartoonz]

Felt seal installs on the sunroof lid itself, seam at the rear. Push it all the way on to seat it properly.

Possible one of the visor light wires shorted while the headliner is out? That'll cause the fuse to blow and other stuff to not work... just unplugging the sunroof module? Not so much...

[jeffbebe]

The felt-like texture on the sunroof seal is normal I think - mine has this on the exposed surface, and it's the original seal.

I wonder, did your headlining trimmer disturb or damage any wiring, that might have resulted in these electrical glitches?

Felt seal installs on the sunroof lid itself, seam at the rear. Push it all the way on to seat it properly.

Possible one of the visor light wires shorted while the headliner is out? That'll cause the fuse to blow and other stuff to not work... just unplugging the sunroof module? Not so much...

Thanks gentlemen. I will begin by looking there.